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Suns release Nathan Krakouer

Guy Hand

The Gold Coast Suns admit there is virtually no chance of Nathan Krakouer returning to the club after he was released from his AFL contract on compassionate grounds.

The 23-year-old asked for a release from his Suns deal to return home to Western Australia for unspecified personal reasons - a request that was granted on Monday.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Krakouer believed it was in his best interests to move away from AFL as he battles his issues.

Ex-Port Adelaide star Krakouer was one of the Suns' highest-profile signings for their AFL debut year.

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But aside from a five-goal haul against Brisbane early in the season, Krakouer struggled for fitness, motivation and on-field impact.

Because Krakouer's departure comes after the AFL primary list lodgment deadline, the Suns will be left with one player less than the 46 allowed for next season.

While it does mean the Suns could trade Krakouer should he ever seek to play with another AFL club, Ashcroft said Gold Coast had resigned themselves to losing the talented utility and did not expect him to return to football.

"He's pretty firm in his decision," Ashcroft said.

"We have been working with Nathan and supporting him where possible for some time, and while we remained committed to supporting him, Nathan's desire is to step away from football.

"While we are disappointed to lose a player of Nathan's ability, the most important thing is Nathan's well-being."

Krakouer is the second player to seek an out from the Suns in a fortnight.

Teenager Rex Liddy was released by the club after deciding he did not want to play AFL any more.

But Gold Coast were able to leave Liddy off their list ahead of the lodgment deadline, allowing the Suns a selection in Tuesday's pre-season draft to replace him.

Ashcroft said the Suns may consider asking the AFL for permission to place Krakouer on the long-term injury list, allowing them to replace him with one of their rookie-listed players for 2012.

"We submitted a list of 46 to the AFL and now we will only have 45, but having said that we could be able to elevate a rookie and put Nathan on the long-term injury list," Ashcroft told AAP.